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Taking a hat-trick in Test cricket is one of the most difficult feats, showcasing a bowler’s ability to dismiss top-class batsmen in quick succession. Known for its history of producing exceptional bowling, Pakistan has witnessed several iconic moments of brilliance in Test cricket. Here’s a look at the five Pakistani players who achieved this rare milestone, with Noman Ali being the latest to join this elite list.
5 Pakistani bowlers to take a hat-trick in the longest format
Wasim Akram – The double delight of the Sultan of Swing
Widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket, Akram is the only Pakistani cricketer to have taken two hat-tricks in Test cricket. His first hat-trick was in 1999 against Sri Lanka at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium in Lahore. Akram fired Romesh Kaluwitharana, Niroshan Bandaratillekei Pramodya Wickramasinghe in successive deliveries, demonstrating his mastery of the reverse swing.
A few days later, Akram repeated the feat against the Islanders in Dhaka, firing Avishka Gunawardene, Chaminda Vaas i Mahela Jayawardene with its impeccable line, length and movement. These performances showed not only his ability to exploit any condition, but also his ability to deliver under pressure. Akram’s double hat-tricks remain a testament to his unmatched ability as a fast bowler.
Abdul Razzaq: Brilliant against the Lankans
Best known for his all-round skills, Razzaq etched his name in cricket history with a hat-trick against Sri Lanka in 2000 at the National Stadium in Karachi. Razzaq dismissed Kaluwitharana, Rangana Herath i Ravindra Pushpakumara in three consecutive deliveries. His ability to move the ball both ways caught the batsmen off guard, turning the game in Pakistan’s favour.
While Razzaq was primarily celebrated for his powerful batting, this bowling feat highlighted his versatility and ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him most. It remains one of the highlights of his cricket career.
Mohammad Sami: Speed and swing in full flow
Another Pakistani bowler and the same in-form Sri Lankan opponent. Known for his raw pace and ability to turn the ball up, Sami delivered one of his most memorable performances with a hat-trick against the Islanders in 2002 in Lahore. Sami fired Charitha Buddhika, Nuwan Zoysai Muttiah Muralitharanshowing off his lethal combination of speed and accuracy.
Although Sami’s career was marked by inconsistency, this moment underlined his potential and raw talent as a fast bowler. His hat-trick remains a shining example of his ability to baffle even the most seasoned batting line-ups.
SEE ALSO: PAK vs WI: Noman Ali makes history in Multan; becomes the first Pakistan spinner to take a hat-trick in Test cricket
Naseem Shah: A historical feat of a teenage sensation
Next on the esteemed list is Naseem, who became one of the youngest players in cricket history to take a hat-trick in Test cricket in a match against Bangladesh in 2020 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Naseem was fired Najmul Hossain Shanto, Taijul Islami Mahmudullah in back-to-back deliveries, leaving the opposition reeling.
Naseem’s fiery pace and ability to generate movement off the pitch made him a force to be reckoned with, and his hat-trick established him as a rising star in Pakistan’s bowling arsenal . It also symbolized the bright future of Pakistan’s bowling legacy.
Noman Ali: First Pakistani spinner to achieve the feat
Noman made history on 24 January 2025, becoming the first Pakistani spinner to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. Playing against the West Indies in Multan, Noman showed his craft by dismissing three key batsmen in succession. His hat-trick not only demonstrated his control and guile, but also underlined the spin’s growing impact on Pakistan’s cricketing narrative. During West Indies’ first innings, Noman took his leave Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlachi Kevin Sinclair to achieve a historic feat.
